The Lakers extended their lead to 15 against the Spurs in the second quarter.

The momentum shifted after Xavier Henry took a hard fall, driving to the basket. He sustained what looked like a contusion to the forehead that bled profusely. After the training staff attended to him for a number of minutes, Henry stepped to the line to convert to free throws.

The Lakers called for time the next play, allowing Henry to run to the locker room — for stitches and maybe even a concussion test. Henry was back on the bench before halftime.

The Spurs resumed with renewed energy, closing the gap to a single point by the half.

The Lakers shot 32.5% from the field, missing 13 of 12 three-point attempts. The Spurs shot 36.7% from the field. Tony Parker led all scorers with 12. Pau Gasol had 11 for the Lakers.

The battle of the Lakers vs. the Spurs without Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan did not start with an especially attractive first quarter.

Neither team shot well from the field but the Lakers climbed ahead by as many as nine before finishing with a seven-point lead.

Pau Gasol led all scorers with seven points as the Lakers hit 8-of-20 shots from the field (40%). If anything, it was the Lakers' defense that impressed -- holding the Spurs to 25% shooting from the field.